BUZZA weekly supplement of the Market Theatre Foundation

17 - 23 JUly

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In a ground-breaking partnership between the Market Theatre Foundation and Exclusive Books, the Windybrow Arts Centre will be Johannesburg’s newest hub for the advancement of Pan-African literature. The Windybrow Arts Centre open its doors on Tuesday 18July to the Exclusive Books Pan-African Reading Lounge for adults and The Exclusive Books Pan-African Reading Room for children.

“Sponsoring space at the Windybrow Arts Centre for the purpose of creating a reading room that can cater to the local community is a meaningful contribution for the Exclusive Books Group,” explains Benjamin Trisk, CEO of Exclusive Books. “It is particularly important in contemporary South Africa to give back to the life of Hillbrow because Hillbrow was the genesis for the first Exclusive Books when it opened its doors in 1951.”

A monthly book club programme for children and a series of forums for adults focusing on African authors and on the titles available in the Reading Lounge will be hosted at the Windybrow Arts Centre.

An ExclUsivE PAn-AfricAn PArtnErshiP

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Two of Dr John Kani’s published plays form part of the collection of books in the Exclusive Books’ Pan African Reading Lounge at the Windybrow Art Centre. He is a leading South African actor, director and playwright. As a special ambassador of the Market Theatre Foundation, Kani has a long and proud history with the Market Theatre Foundation making this addition a wonderful extension of his legacy.

About the PlAys:

Nothing but the truth

Nothing But the Truth was Dr John Kani’s debut as a sole playwright. It is the story of two brothers, of sibling rivalry, of exile of memory and of reconciliation. The play won the 2003 Fleur du Cap Award for Best New South African Play.

Missing

In this play, Kani explores the ambiguities of freedom and personal commitment through the story of an exiled ANC cadre who returns to a deeply-changed SA.

WindyBroW cElEBrAtEs

KAni lEgAcy

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#morethanatheatre

Arts cEntrE

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yoUngEst AfricAn AUthor lAUnchEs rEAding roomMichelle Nkamankeng (right) is among the top 10 youngest authors in the world. She is the youngest author in Africa. Michelle Nkamankeng has been hailed as an inspiration for South African youth. She will launch the Exclusive Books Pan-African Reading Room for children.

Michelle Nkamakeng has achieved her dream of writing at the age of seven-year-old. She recently launched her first work, Waiting for the Waves inspired by a family visit to a seaside resort. Like the waves in her book this young student of Sacred Heart College in Observatory is proof that no one is young to vigorously pursue one’s dream.

She receives dedicated support from her parent in this tough world of authors.

According to Michelle, Waiting for the Waves is about a little girl

named Titi who is having fun with her family at a beach resort but is also struggling with a great fear of the waves. However, with the support of her family she succeeds in conquering her fear and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Speaking about her writing abilities, Michelle says that she’s gained much insight and inspiration

from living in Johannesburg. She loves Gauteng and the opportunities this thriving province have afforded her.

Michelle’s achievements have only heightened her enthusiasm for fun, and she has a few favourite places in Gauteng that she enjoys.

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mArKEt thEAtrE thoUght-lEAdErs AhEAd of thE gAmE

mArKEt thEAtrE hElPs to sEt PAcE At vryfEEsThe Market Theatre Foundation’s dynamic leadership, CEO Ismail Mahomed and Head of the Market Theatre Laboratory, Clara Vaughan joined arts leaders from across the country and visiting international arts producers this past weekend to plan for next year’s inaugural Pan-African Cultural Exchange (PACE) that will place at the Vryfees in Bloemfontein.

“We welcome this new initiative that will create expanding markets for the exportation of South African work and foster partnerships for inter-continental partnerships”, said Ismail Mahomed.

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Top Left:Ismail Mahomed with KKNK Festival director, Hugo Theart.

Top Right:Ismail Mahomed with ASSITEJ International President, Yvette Hardie and Executive Director of ShakesXperience, Lali Dangazele, producer of the multi-award winning production, Animal Farm.

Top:Ismail Mahomed with visiting local and international festival producers and Chairman of the National Arts Council Hartley Ngoato.

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Head of the Market Theatre Laboratory, Clara Vaughan, was the keynote speaker at the Mvuso Schools Community Education Project last week. Referring to the Market Theatre Laboratory’s recent outstanding success at the National Arts Festival, Clara reminded the teachers and faciltators at the event, that the work being done by community education and youth education projects was one way to read the pulse of the nation.

“The two productions that won the highest accolade of the

award system for professional productions on the fringe were one, a student production and two, a community theatre production. This is a long overdue affirmation of what I’m sure we all know: ‘student’ or ‘community’ theatre is not a lesser artistic or social proposition than professional theatre. It is in this environment that you often find innovation, risks taken, new forms and experimentation. It is also here that you should turn to if you want to put your hand on the pulse of our country-in-becoming.”

rEAding thE PUlsE of thE nAtion

Clara Vaughan

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Lekgetho Makola, the head of the Market Photo Workshop has been selected to serve on the curatorial committee of the Bamako Encounters that will be presented in Mali during 2018. Organized by the Malian Ministry of Culture and the Institut Français, the 11th edition of the Bamako Encounters will take place from 2 December 2017 to 31 January 2018.

The curator of the 11th edition of the Bamako Encounters, Marie-Ann Yemsi, has chosen a more collaborative approach and has set up a Curatorial Advisory Committee of members who

reflect the diverse and dynamic range of cultural talents from the African continent today.

“We are delighted that Lekgetho Makola has been recognized as one of the remarkable talents to serve on the Curatorial Advisory Committee of the Bamako Encounters. This is one more way in which the Market Photo Workshop continues to strengthen its partnerships on the African continent”, said Ismail Mahomed, CEO of the Market Theatre Foundation.

BAmAKo EncoUntErs invitEs mArKEt Photo WorKshoP tAlEnt

Lekgetho Makola

The Market Theatre Laboratory’s Standard Bank Fringe Gold Ovation award-winner at the National Arts Festival Hani- The Legacy and merit award winner for original work, Pop iCherri, will be presented at the 969 Festival at Wits Theatre from 25 to 29 July.

mArKEt thEAtrE WinnErs At Wits 969 fEstivAl

lABorAtory

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AArdKloP fEstivAl lAUnchEs 2017 ProgrAmmE At mArKEt sqUArE

The Aadklop Festival will unveil its 2017 programme to the media at a special press function that will be held at Market Square on Wednesday 26 July.

The Aardklop Festival is noted for its celebration of high quality productions and for the showcasing of exceptional talent.

The dates for the 2017 Festival are:• 2 October to 7 October:

Visual Arts • 3 October to 8 October:

Live performance productions • 3 October to 7 October:

Art & Food Market The Market Theatre Foundation is proud to be associated with the Aadklop Festival and wishes the organisers great success.

Visit the Aardklop Festival website for more information www.aardklop.co.za

During the tour, Market Theatre Laboratory students, Kabelo Molefe and Tsholo Dithejane also surprised the Lesotho learners with an an improvised piece. It had the learners roaring with laughter in the aisles.

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nAlEdi thEAtrE AWArds tElEvisEdThe Market Theatre walked away with nine awards at the 2016 Naledi Theatre Award ceremony that was held last month. The gala event will be televised at 14:00 on Wednesday 9 August 2017..

#NalediAwards17 captures the tears of joy and hilarity, the glitz, the glamour and most importantly the spirit of this stage extravaganza!

Catch it all on Mzansi Magic Channel 161 and repeat broadcast on KykNET & Kie Channel 146 on Sunday 13 August at 20:00

the MArket theAtre wiNNers At this yeAr’s NAledi theAtre AwArds Are:

1. best theAtre set desiGN - Greg King – Suddenly The Storm

2. best liGhtiNG desiGNWesley France – Suddenly The Storm Hlomogang Mothetho – TAU

3. best oriGiNAl ChoreoGrAPhyNhlanhla Mahlangu – TAU

4. best eNseMbleTAU

5. best PerForMANCe iN A PlAy: MAle

Desmond Dube – I See You 6. best New south AFriCAN sCriPtSuddenly the Storm - Written by Paul Slabolepszy

7. best ProduCtioN oF A PlAyI See You - Produced by the Market Theatre & Royal Court Theatre

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Make reservations for your visits to the Market Theatre so much easier. With one glance at the table below you can now see the start and end date for each production season. For more details about

the productions visit the Market Theatre Foundation website www.markettheatre.co.za www.webtickets.co.zaor buy your ticket at any Pick n Pay store.

For block bookings call Anthony ezeoke at 011 832 1641/ 083 246 4950

livE At thE mArKEt thEAtrE …

show JuNe July AuGust sePt oCt

Chasing ChairsThe Barney Simon

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AnkobiaThe Mannie Manim

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walk this way skhumbaThe John Kani

26 - 27

if we digThe Barney Simon

11 - 27

in her shoesThe John Kani

10 - 13

tamasha on hope streetThe Mannie Manim

8 1

My travelling bagThe Barney Simon

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when ballet meets JazzThe John Kani

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ChAsiNG ChAirsdAtes14 July – 06 August tiMeTue - Sat 20:15Sun 15:00 VeNueThe Barney Simon

The husband and wife duo Sue-Pam Grant and DJ Grant are successful artists in their own right. Sue-Pam Grant is known for her unique inclusion of fine art design elements in productions with carefully structured emotional scenes. DJ Grant Partner & Executive Creative Director, Blue Moon Corporate Communications. In Chasing Chairs, they merge their creative writing skills to produce a theatre piece that will navigate a

couple’s journey in self-discovery and put them under a microscope.

Chi Mhende who is well known for her role as Wandi, a transgendered woman in Generations, will make her Market Theatre debut in Chasing Chairs alongside Theo Landey, who has won the hearts of South Africans in the series of television advertisements for Outsurance. The duo explore themes of displacement in their relationship and managing spousal expectation and challenges of bringing up a family in modern world.

#ConnectingChairs#ChasingChairs

Images by Siphosihle Mkhwanazi

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wAlk this wAy with skhuMbA dAtes26 & 27 July 2017 tiMeWed & Thu 20:10VeNueThe John Kani

With the success of his radio show, Skhumba steps out of radio and takes on a tough Newtown audience at the Market Theatre for a two-night comedy show with some of South Africa’s favourite comedians.

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ANkobiAdAtes21 July - 13 August 2017 tiMeTue - Sat 20:15Sun 15:00VeNueThe Mannie Manim

Directed by 2017 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, Monageng Motshabi, Ankobia is set in the futuristic land of Pelodikgadile where it is forbidden to remember anything that happened before the new state was formed. The voices of those who used to fight for land and truth have been muted and using an invention called a zap machine, the people’s memories are kept in check. The warriors of yesterday are shadows of themselves and our hero, Xhoi, is among them.

#Ankobia

Left: Monageng Vice Motshabi

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iN her shoesdAtes10 - 13 August tiMeThu - Sat 20:00Sun 15:00 VeNueThe John Kani

South Africa commemorates Women’s Month in August as a tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

Standard Bank Awards recipients Luyanda Sidya and Fana Tshabalala for Dance have been commissioned by the Market Theatre to create a new work that will premiere at the John Kani during August. Both choreographers are fathers to daughters and in this bold new work they share and celebrate their empathetic view on women.

#InHerShoes

Above: Luhanda Sidya and Fana Tshabalala

iF we diGdAtes11 - 27 August 2017 tiMeTue - Sat 20:15Sun 15:00VeNueThe Barney Simon

Set against the backdrop of student uprisings and a complex societal landscape If We Dig introduces us to some unusual characters who lived on the edges of a burgeoning mining town, each with unique stories of their struggles, dreams and challenges, woven together in a common humanity. Inspired by the life and work of social historian Luli Callinicos, If We Dig, unearths real stories of the people who created and shaped Johannesburg and the country we live in. The delicate multi-lingual piece directed by Megan Willson is performed by Fiona Ramsay and 2017 Sophie Mgcina Award recipient, Lesedi Job.

#IfWeDig

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tAMAshA oN hoPe street dAtes8 September - 1 October 2017tiMeThu - Sat 20:15Sun 15:15VeNueThe Mannie Manim

In Rajesh Gopie’s new play, Tamasha on Hope Street Albert, a Zimbabwean, is on the run after xenophobic attacks. He ends up in Chatsworth and gets a job as a night watchman. His escape to safety seems fulfilled until he discovers Payal Payal, a young street prostitute. The lives of Albert and Payal collide with dramatic repercussions. Tamasha on Hope Street will be directed by Gopala Davies.

Starring Dhaveshan Govender, Nat Ramabulana, Matthew MacFarlane, Afzal Khan, Keith Gengadoo and Ameera Patel

#TamashaOnHopeStreet

From Top: Rajesh Gopie, Gita Pather – Mentor, Gopala Davies – Incubatee Director

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My trAVelliNG bAGdAtes9 September - 1 October 2017tiMeTue - Sat 20:15Sun 15:00 VeNueThe Barney Simon

Internationally celebrated storyteller Gcina Mhlophe relates amusing tales of her travels from her home-town of Hammarsdale to places such as Port Shepstone, Mount Frere, Johannesburg, London, Basel, Edinburgh, New York, Japan, Canada and even Greenland. Her lively performances and inspirational messages are an absolute gem!

#MyTravellingBag

Left: Gcina Mhlope

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wheN bAllet Meets JAzzdAtes14 - 17 September 2017 tiMeThu - Sat 20:00Sun 15:00 VeNueThe John Kani

When Ballet Meets Jazz is a unique collaboration between classical and contemporary dancers from CuDanSA and Carstens Ireland Ballet Studio; and a formidable sextet of amazing Jazz musicians. The musical repertoire will include compositions by Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, Alan Silinga, Andre Petersen, Pablo Lapidusas, Leo Espinosa and Michael Buble. The works presented include, among others, some beautiful neo classical and contemporary choreography to amazing jazz standards as well as ballet highlights like the Cygnets from Swan Lake, and the ever popular The Dying Swan.

#BalletMeetsJazz

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PErforming thE imAgEs on thE WAllOn Monday 3 July The Market Photo Workshop invited students from the Market Theatre Laboratory to develop a performative response to the current exhibition In Jus’this at the Photo Workshop Gallery.

The performances are the first in a series of such collaborations between the Market Photo Workshop and the Market Theatre Laboratory. Wath out for dates for future events.

The In Jus’this exhibition continues to run at the Photo Workshop Gallery.

PhotoWorKshoP

WhAts on At thE mArKEt Photo WorKshoP!

Images: © Siphosihle Mkhwanazi

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WhAts on At thE mArKEt lABorAtory!rEgistrAtion oPEns : A cAll for AsPiring Actors

Full – time Applications Opening Soon: Full-time applications opening soon: if you’re a young aspiring actor, theatre-maker, storyteller, get ready! Applications for the Market Theatre Laboratory’s full-time Theatre and Performance Course open on 1 August 2017

Part-time Acting Course GraduationsLevel 2Date: 21 July Time: 19:00Venue: Ramalao Makhene Theatre

Level 1 and 3Date: 22 July Time: 10:00

Venue: Ramalao Makhene TheatreFor more information about the courses at the Market Theatre see the Prospectus available on the Market Theatre’s websitewww. markettheatre.co.za/prospectus/

lABorAtory

sPEciAl scrEEning for stUdEnts of nAtionAl thEAtrE’s livE’s

tWElfth night

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it’s tWElfth night At thE mArKEt thEAtrE lABorAtory

toUrs And ExcUrsionslesotho hiGh sChool

The weekly Tours of the Market Theatre have become so very popular. Market Theatre tour guide, Busi Letwaba, has hosted international celebreties, local

politicians, historians, culture vultures and drama students. This week, she hosted her largest tour group --- 192 Learners from the Lesotho High School.

The students from Lesotho embarked on the tour after watching a special performance the award-winning Market Theatre Laboratory production, Hani - The Legacy.

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For most tour guides managing such a large group would be a daunting task but for the Market Theatre foundation’s innovative tour guide this was an opportunity to give the school learners a fascinating introduction in to the exciting worlf of theatre. She captured the group’s attention by introducing an alphabet improvisation game that is used to train actors. Learners to sentences in alphabetic order. The talent that the students portrayed was remarkable.

During the tour, Market Theatre Laboratory students, Kabelo Molefe and Tsholo Dithejame, also surprised the Lesotho learners with an an improvised piece. It had the learners roaring with laughter in the aisles.

To book you’re a tour for your school group call Busi Letwaba at 011 832 1641 or online at www.markettheatre.co.za

#MTFtours

mArKEt thEAtrE PErsonAlitiEs

Mika Conradie - MANAGER: PUBLIC PROGRAMMES AND DEVELOPMENT

Q: what drives you to wake up in the morning and come to work?

a: The prospect of seeing creative projects and ideas come to life every day, and engagement with a variety of practitioners and stakeholders who are collaborating with, or want to collaborate with the Market Photo workshop.

Q: Given a chance to change one thing in the Arts and Culture industry, what would it be?

A: Greater access and desegregation of arts and culture infrastructure and resources and for all south Africans to feel welcome in artistic spaces.

Q: Q: what does your job entail? A: Conceptualizing and

implementing the public projects and programmes for the Market Photo workshop with a dedicated projects team. our public programmes include mentorships, exhibitions, public talks, symposia and participatory projects, all related to photography. in the first half of 2017 alone the projects team has managed and coordinated 7 public exhibitions, 3 mentorships with south African photographers, 1 international continental mentorship, and a symposium. in the next half of 2017 we will be exhibiting at the Joburg art Fair, hosting a three day symposium, launching the third

uP Close ANd PersoNAl with...

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dAC Photography incubator Programme, the 2017 tierney Fellowship and the second phase of our Community Media training Programme, and exhibiting student work in north Carolina at the allcott Gallery as well as opening a new exhibition at the Photo workshop Gallery.

Q: where do you see yourself in 5 years.

A: establishing and running an arts organization that supports artistic and creative practice in South africa through exhibitions, artistic commissions, publications and new writing.

theo landey From 14 July to 06 August, Theo Landey is currently starring alongside Chi Mhende in Chasing Chairs directed by Sue Pam – Grant.

Classically trained at LAMDA, Theo made his South African debut in The Judas Kiss as Lord Alfred Douglas in 2000. His credits include Address Unknown, Around the World in 80 Days, The Graduate, The History Boys, Romance, Pythonesque and Travels with my Aunt for which he won a Naledi for Best Supporting Actor.

Theo was part of the original cast of the Market Theatre’s highly acclaimed Death of a Colonialist as well as appearing as Arthur in the Market’s 2015 revival of Barney Simon’s Cincinatti. More recently Theo has been seen in The Story I am about to Tell at the Soweto Theatre; last year’s revival of Paul Slabolepszy’s Mooi Street Moves at the State Theatre and last month appeared as a rather animated corpse in the hilarious smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong. Next up for Theo is Shakespeare in Love at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town this November. As for television, Theo has appeared in several international TV shows including the BBC’s Silent Witness, ITV’s Heat of the Sun and Coronation Street. He was a series regular in HBO’s Generation Kill as well as featuring in the 4th series of Starz’ Black Sails. Locally he has been seen in SABC’s The Res and Generations; MNET’s Innocent Times and Erfsondes and regularly appeared on ETV’s daily soap Scandal! as Wayne Drew. He has done a few feature films too; locally he was the voice of Percy Fitzpatrick in Jock of the Bushveld as well as the critically acclaimed Long Walk to Freedom. International movies include Man to Man, I Dreamed of Africa, To the Ends of the Earth and A United Kingdom.

#MCM #ManCrushMonday

mAn crUsh mondAys

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Chiedza Mhende

Chiedza Mhende, “Chi” as she is affectionately known is a performer and voice artist.

She has worked extensively in the theatre performing leading roles on renowned Joburg and Cape Town platforms. She has a background in art therapy having worked as a drama practitioner for the Zakheni Arts Foundation and as an Improv(isation) artist with the Bonfire Theatre Company. Woven into this freelancer’s game are appearances on international television shows Mad Dogs, Homeland and Dominion.

In 2014 Chi was awarded the Best Actress award at the Durban International Film Festival for her leading role in the feature film Love the One You Love, directed by the legendary Jenna Bass. This role also led to an African Movie Academy Award nomination for Promising Young Artist.

In July 2015, Chi accepted the role of Wandile Radebe on SABC’s Generations: The Legacy, a role that came with much controversy and chatter, questioning the producers’ casting of a female performer in a male role. In November 2016 the character was revealed as transgender.

Having dedicated 2017 to the young hearts, Chi is thrilled to announce her return to the stage in Chasing Chairs and later in the year in Janice Honeyman’s annual Christmas Pantomime that will be present at the Joburg Theatre.

#WCW #WomanCrushWednesday

WomAn crUsh WEdnEsdAys

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nKosi’s hAvEn And ArtsinsidEoUt ASTEP/artsINSIDEOUT is a team of working artists and students from all over the world

(including many from right here in Johannesburg) who have been personally affected by HIV/ AIDS. Partnering with the residents of Nkosi’s Haven, a home for mothers with HIV/AIDS and children infected or affected by the virus, ASTEP/artsINSIDEOUT uses acting, singing, dancing and storytelling techniques, stagecra and visual arts to inspire the Haven’s moms and kids to unleash their creative energy and communicate their own experiences at the world-famous

Market Theatre Lab. This year on July 13th, ASTEP/artsINSIDEOUT and Nkosi’s Haven proudly presented MAKE A NOISE.

Date: 13 July • Time: 3pmVenue: Ramalao Makhene Theatre

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cElEBrAtory victory lUnch The Market Theatre Foundation returned victorious from the annual National Arts Festival. With two Standard Bank Gold Ovation Awards awarded to Hani: The Legacy and to TAU and a Special Merit Award to PopiCherri, The Market Theatre Foundation CEO Ismail Mahomed hosted the production companies at a celebratory lunch.

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foUndAtion

For more information about the Market Theatre

Foundation, please visit www.markettheatre.co.za

Telephone : 011 832 1641

138 Lillian Ngoyi StreetNewtown, Johannesburg

Market Square directionS:

Directions to The Market Theatre Foundation, The Market Square, 138 Lillian Ngoyi (previously Bree) Street, between Miriam Makeba and Margaret Mcingana streets

Co-ordinates: -26.201984, 28.032706Co-ordinates: -26.200834, 28.032294

• Take Jan Smuts Ave off ramp from M1 south.

• Continue over Empire Rd, past Wits and over Mandela Bridge.

• At the first traffic light after the Mandela Bridge, turn right into Carr Street.

• At the next traffic light turn left into Miriam Makeba Street.

• At the next traffic light turn right into the Newtown Junction Mall road, City Lodge Hotel on the right.

• Continue to the right around the traffic circle into the Mall’s underground parking garage.

• When you come out of the parking garage using the lift or escalator the Market Theatre is to the east of the parking area in the direction of the water fountain in the Mall’s square. Walk past The Potato Shed and through the gate. Then turn right towards the Market main entrance. Please ask the security / ushers if you feel unsure.

• To get to the Market Square, continue past the Market Theatre building, cross the road (Lillian Ngoyi Street) and you will see the Market Square entrance towards your left – diagonally across the road from the Market Theatre building.